Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a routine win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the party atmosphere a backdrop to growing speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be their next signing.
While Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the trophy amid celebrations, former England striker Teddy Sheringham raised the prospect of a stunning transfer from Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool amid controversy last year, aiming to cement the right-back role in the Spanish capital and even eye the Ballon d’Or. Instead he has grappled with fitness issues and patchy form, losing his duel with veteran Dani Carvajal and omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The imminent departure of Carvajal offered hope, but Madrid’s agreement to bring in Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, and the club poised to fall under Jose Mourinho’s management, have left his position in doubt.
“Arsenal beat Crystal Palace as Teddy Sheringham suggests Trent Alexander-Arnold could join champions.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, could be in the market for a new right-back after Ben White and Jurrien Timber endured injury-plagued campaigns. Natural centre-back Cristhian Mosquera frequently filled in for Arteta’s champions.
Sheringham told BOYLE Sports: “Liverpool fans might not want him back, so it does narrow down where he could go. He doesn’t immediately strike me as an Arsenal player, to be fair. I think they’re too strong and resilient and work as a proper back four unit. But they could make it work for him.” He added: “If you put Trent in an organised, structured back four, and they work as a unit, that’s what playing in a team like Arsenal is all about. If someone worked with Trent along those lines, coached him to get in the right position at the right times, then I’m sure he could improve in that position to give Arsenal that extra dimension.”
Whether Arteta would be willing to take on a player who Sheringham admits “looks all over the place” without structure remains an open question – but the champions’ victory on Saturday proved they are not resting on their laurels.